Hundreds left untreated after £500m blaze

People undergoing surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy at the world-famous cancer hospital are to be treated in other city trusts or sent to the Marsden's second location in Sutton.

All today's appointments and admissions have been cancelled after flames wrecked most of the fourth floor and roof yesterday afternoon. Up to a hundred people were due to arrive today but have been told to stay away until medics get in touch.

The blaze was brought under control by 8pm yesterday and fire investigators were beginning an investigation this morning, as 30 firefighters were still working to dampen hotspots in the roof at the Fulham Road trust.

Fire chiefs said the fire did not appear to be arson and chief executive Cally Palmer refused to comment on suggestions that building work may have been to blame.

Ms Palmer was planning to open part of the hospital at 8am today to redirect anyone who arrived expecting treatment.

A hospital spokesman also insisted sections could reopen within three days, seeing outpatients for chemotherapy.

At least 54 patients - including two who were on operating tables when the fire broke out - were evacuated to the Royal Brompton, across the road.

Hospital bosses urged patients to call helplines to advise those due in for treatment and to reassure relatives.

Ms Palmer told the Standard: "This was obviously a major fire and we are devastated. But it is too early to tell exactly how we are going to be looking after patients.

"The key thing is that everyone is now safe and London hospitals are pulling together and offering us space to work.

"All of our patients are going to be treated by our own doctors and nurses to make sure their care is not interrupted.

"It looks as though we are going to be able to recommission quite a large part of the hospital very quickly. I hope we can start seeing our own outpatients in our own buildings very soon."

Four London trusts and the Christie Hospital in Manchester have offered to clear space for cancer clinics so Marsden doctors and nurses can work.

Ms Palmer said: "The damage does not look to be as bad as it could have been."

Early reports suggested at least one of the hospital's five operating theatres and two wards were severely damaged by water and smoke damage.

But insiders fear the thousands of litres of water used to drench the 10ft high flames may have harmed vital and expensive equipment such as a radiotherapy machines in the basement.

Professor Michael Brada, 57, who treats patients with brain and lung tumours at the Marsden, said: "The fire was very serious and has potentially far-reaching consequences but we're all waiting to find out how extensive the damage has been.

"I'm hoping for our patients' sake that much of the equipment is safe."

Graham Howgate from the London Fire Brigade said: "The main work that's taken place has been keeping the fire to the roof and making sure it stays damped down. The bulk of the work is damage control and looking after the hospital facilities.

"We are working with the hospital to get them back to a point when they can restore normality to the site. The main fire area was contained to the roof. The crews that were here yesterday worked really well and only about half the roof was damaged."

The Royal Marsden helpline numbers are: 020 8770 9395, 020 8661 3836, 020 8661 3839 and 020 8770 9683.